Custodians

[soaked]

I responded first to a free n-8
tractor and tiller on cl. Fellow
named Jeff brought it to me!
Jeff went to 84 year old uncles
house hoping to save the family
8n. Sat 20 years, its behind the
pink ball, under a tarp
<img
src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139003.jpg>

<img
src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139004.jpg>
Jeff was able to pull it out of
the blackberries, and get in on a
buddies trailer. Saw no red or
grey paint, rear rims and tires
rotted away, fan stuck, so gave it
away.
He was aware of it having a
howard, but not a tractor guy. His
passion is restoring old
motorcycles.
As I first saw it, I was blown
away!!!
We got it pulled off the trailer,
and looked at the howard gear and
tiller, and saw the big welds on
the narrowed rear end. Also has an
extension handle to engage the
pto.
I show him my 8n stuff, and he is
happy he found a good home for it,
and was ok if I had to part it
out.
Jeff sees my sons cr250 honda,
that son never rode. It sat 15
years in the carport. He was eager
to find out if son would sell it.
<img
src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139005.jpg>
That afternoon, called Jeff saying
son agreed with me, we want you to
have the honda, is yours for
free!!
And by the way, got your tractor
running!!
He was blown away!!
Came to get it 2 days later.
Asked if he wanted his
grandfathers tractor back. He said
no, and that he was planning on
doing a total resoration on the
honda, and would send pics from
time to time.
Here is his families 8n-c
<img
src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139006.jpg>

<img
src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139007.jpg>
I looked at Marvin Baumanns
vinyard tractor, and wonder if
this is one. Jeffs family was in
the flower growing business, back
in the 70's so maybe it was made
for that.
Thanks for listening, and any info
would be appreciated.

John
Untitled URL Link

 

[Jim L WA]

Great story John. Your photos didn't come over at least for me.

 

[soaked]

Hi Jim L WA, pics are on classic view, at least for me. Cant explain why not on mv.

 

[Tim PloughNman Daley RIP]

Nice find. Is engine froze up? Looks like a standard late 8N to me. What makes you think it is a Vineyard job? Contrary to what many believe, FORD never built any 'specialty' models -all were standard factory as-is. Yes, Marv knows this now, no longer has any tractors nor interests so hasn't edited his page. The Howard AUX TRANS & Reduction was one of several aftermarket companies to offer options that the FORD dealer could install for you. Marv also built TWO 'FOURTRANS' Models himself. These had the 4 transmissions in them you could get -a standard 4 speed; a Howard; a Sherman; and an Everett - see LINK. Slowest ground speed was 12 inches per hour! Hope to see your new 8N all restored in the future...


Tim Daley(MI)
FOURTRANS

 

[soaked]

Hi TPD, the fan an gen were locked up, but could pry the flywheel, so engine not stuck. The engine has 134,134,128,129 compression, excellent oil pressure, and starts instantly, no smoke, has a tsx 241-b dated 11-51. Trans and rear had about 2 cups of water, drained by cracking the 3 drain plugs, runs in all gears, as it should. The 3 point will still lift the tiller, and raises incrementally, as handle is moved incrementally, so follower pin not worn out.
Found the economizer jet, was installed under the nozzle, where the main jet should have been, and no jet in the ecomomizer port. Got it started with the cheep aftermarket carb, then got the tsx cleaned up a few days later.

Valve cover cork gaskets were leakers, so put new ones on. Look how clean the valves are. Expect the engine has low hrs since rebuilt.

Was worried it was rusted so bad, plugs wouldnt come out, but like the rear lugnuts, the spark plugs came off easy. Was amazing seeing it run with these 20 year old parts.

Dist to coil wire has lost all its insulation, but still works.

Thanks for clarifying the history not being a ford modification. Acording to Jeff, its only ran the tiller.
Its left front axle was all the way in, and the right axle was 2 bolt holes wider. Any thoughts?

John

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 09:31:47 10/26/22) Hi TPD, the fan an gen were locked up, but could pry the flywheel, so engine not stuck. The engine has 134,134,128,129 compression, excellent oil pressure, and starts instantly, no smoke, has a tsx 241-b dated 11-51. Trans and rear had about 2 cups of water, drained by cracking the 3 drain plugs, runs in all gears, as it should. The 3 point will still lift the tiller, and raises incrementally, as handle is moved incrementally, so follower pin not worn out.
Found the economizer jet, was installed under the nozzle, where the main jet should have been, and no jet in the ecomomizer port. Got it started with the cheep aftermarket carb, then got the tsx cleaned up a few days later.

Valve cover cork gaskets were leakers, so put new ones on. Look how clean the valves are. Expect the engine has low hrs since rebuilt.

&lt;img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139106.jpg&gt;
Was worried it was rusted so bad, plugs wouldnt come out, but like the rear lugnuts, the spark plugs came off easy. Was amazing seeing it run with these 20 year old parts.

&lt;img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto139114.jpg&gt;
Dist to coil wire has lost all its insulation, but still works.

Thanks for clarifying the history not being a ford modification. Acording to Jeff, its only ran the tiller.
Its left front axle was all the way in, and the right axle was 2 bolt holes wider. Any thoughts?

John

hat is amazingly clean in that valve compartment!

 

[soaked]

Hi JMOR, the tractor is in amazing condition, minus the rust. Feet still not touching the ground. Its such a unique 8n. Feel its story important. One part of me wants to leave it as is. Haven't made full assessment yet. It may be bigger than me. What would a good custodian do?

 

[Kirk-NJ]

Yes appears to be a vineyard tractor. Aftermarket companies were putting them together. With nasty welds it could be homemade. I have seen them using the front non adjustable front industrial axle. The only way to access the Howard for true inspection is to pull top cover or split the tractor or possibly a camera with wand thru side cover. The other tractor site has the Howard manual. Would talk to the 84 year old to add to the straight story. Tin is rotted so would do a parcel restore. Good luck with your interesting project

 

[soaked]

Hi Kirk- NJ, thank you for your valuable input. Was hoping you would respond.
Here are the trumpet welds,

Front is un cut

 

[Bob in Tennessee]

Great Story!
Thanks for sharing....now I'm looking in everyone's grown up backyard for a find of my own! Actually not.